This is an objective, independently written product review on Sinulex® Forte Capsules – a diabetic friendly, non-drowsy natural botanical remedy for sinus, hayfever, colds and flu relief.
The ingredients in Sinulex® Forte Capsules have clinical data to show its efficacy in the fight against viral and bacterial infections.
The result: Sinulex Capsules may show a reduction in the severity of symptoms of nasal congestion, sinus pressure and headache, inflammation of the sinus cavities, postnasal drip, relief from head colds, immune support and a reduction in the duration of general cold and flu symptoms.
Sinulex® Forte Capsules is lactose-, GMO-, soya-, tartrazine- and sugar-free, and does not contain pseudoephedrine or any stimulants such as caffeine. No artificial additives, flavours and colourants.
INGREDIENTS
Sinulex® Forte Capsules is a natural product containing L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 300 mg , Armoracia rusticana G. Gaertn. (Horseradish) [root, 4:1 extract equivalent to 200 mg dried herb] 50 mg, Zinc sulphate heptahydrate 21,8 mg, providing Zinc (elemental) 4,9 mg, Pelargonium sidoides DC (Pelargonium) [root, 5:1 extract equivalent to 100 mg dried herb] 20 mg, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) 300 I.U. (7,5 µg).
Lets have a look at the ingredients
L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential biological antioxidant, well known for its ability to boost the immune system as it prolongs the survival of the cells that fight against invading viruses. Vitamin C is also used to lower, balance and maintain healthy blood histamine levels and fights inflammation.
Vitamin C levels in white blood cells decrease at the onset of a cold. This reflects the increased usage of vitamin C by our immune cells whilst fighting an infection. A review published in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in 2000 revealed that vitamin C reduces the severity and duration of cold symptoms.
The use of vitamin C to treat and prevent respiratory infections is well-supported by research, including a 2004 systematic review from Military Medicine, which found up to a 100 percent reduction in pneumonia within experimental groups receiving high dose vitamin C treatment.
Many alternative health practitioners recommend 1g of vitamin C daily as a remedy for sinusitis. Taking the suggested adult dose of 3 Sinulex® Forte capsules daily, provides 900 mg of vitamin C.
Pelargonium sidoides root extract is a clinically and pharmacologically well-documented modern plant-based medicine for upper respiratory tract infections,1 such as bronchitis (effectively compared to placebo for patients with acute bronchitis)2 and sinusitis.
The genus Pelargonium has been used for centuries in traditional medicine in Lesotho and South Africa with a rich ethnobotanical history,3 as well as globally in modern medicine. Also known as Kalwerbossie, fancy leaf geranium and Umckaloabo, is a member of the Geraniaceae family. The name Umckaloabo is derived from two independent Zulu words: ‘umkhuhlane’, meaning fever and cough related diseases, and ‘uhlabo’, meaning chest pain and has long been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a therapeutic remedy providing relief for a blocked or runny nose, respiratory ailments such as the common cold, secondary bacterial throat infections and viral infections such as influenza.
Extracts of the root have been available in German pharmacies since 1983 without prescription and have been widely used to treat infections of the sinuses, throat and respiratory tract.
Pelargonium’s antiviral, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects have also been demonstrated,4 including the inhibition of the replication of respiratory viruses. In times of infections it shows strong antibacterial qualities, as well as binding to viruses and disabling them from multiplying or mutating.
Not only is pelargonium effective in alleviating symptoms of acute bronchitis, rhinosinusitis and the common cold in adults, but it shortens the duration of the disease itself.
Pelargonium’s action as a preventative agent against bacterial5 infections has been shown in a study6 published in Phytomedicine. The study observed that pelargonium inhibits adherence of bacteria to epithelial cells to protect mucous membranes from microorganisms inactivating our defence mechanisms.
The pelargonium root (also referred to as tuber) in Sinulex® Forte is sourced from certified sustainable farms. Careful harvesting of this valuable root ensures compliance with Good Agricultural Practice guidelines.
Horseradish extract has been used medicinally for over 3,000 years as a decongestant herb with a robust mucolytic action. Its uses includes the relieve of nasal congestion and mucus of the respiratory tract.7 Horseradish contains mustard oils that irritate mucous membranes, effectively alleviating excessive accumulation of mucus. In the clinical setting, horseradish was demonstrated as having antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory tract. Allyl isothiocyanate, a constituent of horseradish, is a potent antimicrobial that may be effective in treating influenza, respiratory tract infections, and sinus inflammation. In fact, horseradish has been shown to be just as effective against several infections as standard antibiotics for treating upper respiratory conditions.
Also known as kren or krenweiberl, horseradish has a long history of medicinal use in parts of Austria and Bavaria in fighting a variety of conditions including influenza, respiratory ailments, and scurvy, due to its high vitamin C content.
Zinc Sulphate is an important mineral found in almost every cell in the human body and is very well absorbed in sulphate form. Zinc has been shown to reduce the duration of common colds with decreased symptom severity. It is of key importance in many biological processes, such as the promotion in the activity of about 100 enzymes. Deficiency in zinc is often associated with an increased risk of infection. Zinc may interfere with rhinovirus adhesion, protecting plasma membranes from microbial toxins. Zinc increase immunity against several viruses and may even interfere with the replication of certain viruses.
Vitamin D3 is natural vitamin D, which is identical to the vitamin D our body makes naturally from sunlight. Vitamin D3 is much better absorbed than vitamin D, making it approximately 87% more effective in raising and maintaining blood levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is vitally important for the proper functioning and strengthening of the immune system. Acute respiratory tract infections were responsible for approximately 2.38 million deaths worldwide in 2016. A wealth of mechanistic and clinical data show that vitamin D plays a critical (and complex) role in supporting the immune system. There are vitamin D receptors and activating enzymes on the surfaces of all white blood cells.
Inadequate and low intake and status of vitamin D is widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence, associated with frequent colds and flu. In 2017, analyses of prospective clinical trials showed that taking vitamin D reduces the odds of developing a respiratory infection by approximately 42% in people with low baseline levels vitamin D.
Sinulex® Forte Capsules come in packs of 3s, 10s and 30s.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE
It is recommended to take this dosage for at least 5 consecutive days.
Acute dosage:
Adults and children above 12 years: take 1 capsule 3 times daily.
Children 6 to 12 years: take 1 capsule 2 times daily.
Chronic dosage:
Adults and children above 12 years: take 1 capsule 2 times a day.
Children 6 to 12 years: take 1 capsule daily or as otherwise prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Do not exceed the recommended or prescribed daily dosage.
The information published here, does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. The information given here is not meant to be a substitute for seeing a health professional. It is our opinion only, based on several years of research, in consultation with world experts. We’re sure you’ll find it useful, but please use it wisely and always exercise common sense.
Editor’s note: For other product reviews in this range: Sinulex® Forte Fizzy and Sinulex® Forte Syrup.
References
- Timmer A, Günther J, Rücker G, Motschall E, Antes G, Kern WV. Pelargonium sidoides extract for acute respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2008; vol. 3.
- Agbabiaka TB, Guo R, Ernst E. Pelargonium sidoides for acute bronchitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine 2008;15(5):378-385.
- M. Michaelis, H. Wilhelm Doerr, J. Cinatl. Investigation of the influence of EPs® 7630, a herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides, on replication of a broad panel of respiratory viruses. Phytomedicine Issue 5, 15 2011;18(5): 384-386
- Kolodziej H. Antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory activity studies of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs® 7630) in the context of health promotion. Pharmaceuticals Basel 2011;4(10):1295-1314.
- F. B. Lewu, D. S. Grierson, and A. J. Afolayan. Extracts from Pelargonium sidoides inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2006;44(4):279–282
- Wittschier N, Faller G, Hensel A. An extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) inhibits in situ adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human stomach. Phytomedicine 2007;14(4):285-288.
- Goos et al: Efficacy and safety profile of a herbal drug containing nasturtium herb and horseradish root in acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis and acute urinary tract infection in comparison with other treatments in the daily practice/results of a prospective cohort study. Arzneimittelforschung. 2006;56(3):249-57
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